Which Camera Is Right For You?

February 21st, 2018

The options when it comes to video surveillance systems in Alexandria, VA are wider and more varied than ever before. It was not so very long ago when security cameras were big, bulky items that were either easily spotted in the corner of a room or poorly hidden underneath dark domes in the ceiling. Nowadays, however, security cameras can be found that are smaller than a AA battery and capable of capturing crystal clear images even in low light conditions. This means that an individual who is considering a security camera system will need to explore some of the different options in order to determine which type of camera best suits their particular needs.

While most cameras will do an adequate job in a wide variety of environments, there are definitely units that perform better in low light or bright light. A person who is considering installing cameras in an area like a warehouse or an outdoor setting will want to consider choosing a lowlight camera or one that is designed to record both during the day and at night. Day and night cameras will likely be more expensive than ones designed for only a single light setting, but they will make it possible to monitor an area 24 hours a day.

There is also a very big difference between cameras designed for indoor and outdoor use. When an outdoor area is going to be under surveillance, it is absolutely crucial that a person invests in a camera that is designed to withstand the elements. Changing temperatures, heat, sunlight, rain, snow, and wind can quickly destroy an indoor camera if it is being used outside. Outdoor cameras can be used indoors, but because of the added cost that high-quality outdoor units go for when compared to cameras designed specifically for indoor use, it is not usually worth the money to purchase a dedicated outdoor camera if it is going to be placed inside a building.

In the past, surveillance systems were hardwired into a building in Alexandria, VA, which made having them professionally installed incredibly expensive. While the top-of-the-line systems are still hardwired in most cases, individuals now have the option of choosing wireless cameras. One of the benefits to using wireless cameras is that they can be installed almost anywhere and even a complete novice can get a basic security system up and running in almost no time. Of course, wireless cameras will probably cost more than cheaper, wired versions. If an individual is looking to only run a security surveillance system for a short period of time, a wireless system may be the best choice since it can be easily removed or repositioned once the need for surveillance has ended.

Another option when it comes to choosing the perfect security camera is whether or not to buy one that can pan, tilt, and zoom or one that is fixed in a particular position. Again, this will depend largely on the area that an individual is interested in monitoring. If only a single cameras going to be used in a large area, a camera that can be turned remotely and zoom in on a particular person or place is a great option to have. If only a single area is going to be monitored, such as the cash register in a gas station, a fixed camera will probably do the job just fine.

Although it will not be dependent on the type of camera that a person chooses, an individual will also have the option of viewing their surveillance footage remotely or on the premises in Alexandria, VA. Remote viewing is a good choice when management is looking to keep track of a particular area but is not on site to do so.